The dedicated, consistent, tenacious pursuit of winning through people and culture.
The changes you are making today to your workforce need to be strategic, not reactionary, with an eye to the future. Times are tough, but there are opportunities to reevaluate your organizational structure, make changes that align to both your short- and long-term goals, and position for the recovery that is on its way. For the next two weeks, I am offering a blog series based on 25 years of extensive HR, talent management and staffing experience all grounded in the foundation as an ex-athlete to give you a roadmap to position you to win.
DEFEAT THE DOWNTURN AND WIN THE RECOVERY
- Part 8: The Power of Genuine Leadership
When I was a young manager, I had a new branch where I thought I should get to know the people there. So I sent over a list of questions for them all to complete …what’s your favorite color, what are your hobbies, where are you from originally…
Ugh.
It’s an uncomfortable memory for me. It represents the good intentions of many managers trying to be in tune with their co-workers and employees, but it is actually a failure of truly connecting. The information itself wasn’t bad to collect, but it was all presented as a blanket list of superficial questions that demonstrated lack of authenticity and personal attention. And most importantly, it provided little value to anyone.
As we move forward in uncertain times, the role of leader plays a more significant role than in the past. The path doesn’t seem as clear and it forces reliance on those who we hope know the way more clearly. The qualities of leaders become more important and put extra emphasis on communications so that both our leadership styles and the way we deliver our messages are effective. Especially in today’s downturn, leadership needs to be:
- Consistent. I often say that a consistently bad manager is easier to follow than a good one who is erratic. That’s because employees learn what to expect and how they must adjust. Inconsistency forces people to worry about what’s coming next. In a time where things are in flux, let your management style be something your employees can count on. Increase your frequency of communications because people are thirsty for information. Be reliable in updating progress and reinforce your vision and goals. Repetition of the same information not only provides comfort, but it helps people believe in your message. Plus, it reminds everyone that you have a plan in place to get to the other side.
- Confident & Deliberate. We all want to head in the right direction. As a leader, let your employees know you have made good decisions based on the information at hand and that they can confidently follow you. Be deliberate in the moves you make and do not be afraid to be bold when needed. Bold moves with supporting information reflect strong leadership by demonstrating decisiveness. Changes within an organization are not unexpected during these tumultuous times - but people want to know there is a plan. Communicate your faith in the direction you are leading. And keep in mind, confidence is contagious.
- Authentic. I distance myself from people I believe to be disingenuous. The reason is not because I do not trust them – which I don’t – but mostly because they waste my time. I am forced to sort through what they say to find what I can believe. I lose valuable time listening to their posturing and fake interest. People see through fakes at all levels. Above all else, as a leader be genuine, honest and authentic in your communications, even when it requires courage to do so.
The desired qualities of today’s leaders are not all that different from those of yesterday, but there is a greater need for some of those qualities to be amplified. When you are assessing your own leadership skills, be louder in the above areas because they create trust. We all need something extra to believe in right now. If you can be that additional boost to your team’s overall psyche, accept the challenge and provide that value. Lead. That demonstration of “rising above” during difficult times will translate into more loyal followers in the recovery and beyond.
The Xtra Point*
"Barry Alvarez held a press conference when he took over as head football coach for the Wisconsin Badgers. As players who had just finished a season with one conference win and were used to empty stadiums for our games, we watched with great interest. With a level of unrivaled confidence, he told the entire nation that Wisconsin fans better get their season tickets now because in a couple of years they would be sold out. I remember the shock of that statement because it was a departure of the expectation of failure related to the team. But I also remember that I believed it was possible because he was deliberate in the words he chose and authentic in the way he delivered the message. His confidence was contagious. His message every day following the press conference was the same – we were going to be winners because he had a plan and a process. Within a short amount of time, he soon had a winning team and a sold-out stadium."
*Author Rich Thompson is a former professional placekicker and successful human resources executive. He offers the Xtra Point at the end of each Relentless HR blog with a sports example from his own personal experience with the University of Wisconsin and Green Bay Packers that parallels his business teachings.